Science, Medicine and Lifestyle dominate Sydney Events Calendar

Large-scale international science and medical conferences will share the stage with an increasing number of high-profile lifestyle expos in another big year for Australia’s busiest events venue.

The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre is preparing to welcome dozens of events for a thousand delegates or more during 2012, including many from within the city’s traditional strength areas of science and medicine.

Top events scheduled this year in Sydney include the 3000-delegate International Hypertension Congress in September, the 2000-delegate International Symposium on Atherosclerosis in March, the 2000-delegate International Congress of Dietetics in September and the 1250-delegate Asian Oceanian Congress of Radiology in August.

But Sydney will also be busy with big-name lifestyle exhibitions during 2012, including expos inspired by popular TV shows such as Grand Designs Live which is expected to be one of Sydney’s top 10 exhibitions when it returns for a second year in October.

Other major lifestyle expos will include the Australian Fitness and Health Expo in April, the Mind Body Spirit Sydney Festival in May and Zumba 2012 in April. Meanwhile, the Australian International Motor Show, Sydney International Boat Show, Sydney Home Show and the Good Food and Wine Show will retain their places as the biggest annual events on the Centre’s calendar.

Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre Chief Executive Ton van Amerongen said it was fitting the Centre was working to a busy schedule at a time when Sydney was planning a major expansion of its events facilities.

“As the NSW Government considers concepts for a much larger conference and events precinct at Darling Harbour, we continue to focus on delivering successful events and world-class services,” Mr van Amerongen said. “At the Centre we are attracting major international conferences and events not just because of our city’s well-known appeal, but also because of the innovation, professionalism and creativity we offer event organisers.”